2022 Celebrations of the Center:

                                              

Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, March 3, 2022. The meeting was anchored by Mr. Pankaj Parikh, VP, and hosted by Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary. Proceedings of the meeting were placed on YouTube by Mr. Jagdish Patel, VP-PR. Thanks to all.

 

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Bharatbhai & Ushaben Shah. 

 

President welcomed members and requested them to observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to the departed soul of Mr. Harshad Patel, 56, managing director of Patel Bros. (Jackson Heights). Our condolences and sympathies to his family. We pray that God bless his soul. 

 

1 (i) Purviben Mody Malkant’s Presentation: 

 

Recently, Purviben Mody Malkan (profile attached) had given interesting presentation on her trip to Pakistan. Continuing her journey, she narrated today interesting information on પાકીસ્તાનનાં પ્રવાસે – ભાગ ૨, વિશ્વવિદ્યાલયોની ખોજમાં – Pakistan Tour – Part 2, In Search of Global Universities. 

 

Recounting the previous discussion on Indus Valley civilization, salt mine and Wagha Boarder, Purviben focused today on her journey to Takshashila area spanning over seven villages, showing troves of photos of ruins, excavation, archeological museum, Jain temples and the center where students used to acquire 64 types of different arts. Some of the areas bore Indian names such as Haripur, Bhavnagar and Narayan Nagar.

 

 A thriving area of Takshashila got destroyed by  invaders over centuries and Hsuan Tsang, the Buddhist pilgrim, who visited the area in the seventh century wished he had been there centuries ago to enjoy the glory of the sprawling region. Mahmud Ghazni demolished temples, and cut off or defaced statutes and monuments, in order to destroy Hindu religion and culture. 

 

Purviben highlighted the proliferation of the Buddh religion in the second century in Dharm Rajika and mentioned that renowned personalities such as Sanskrit grammarian Panini, Guru Kautilya, Chandragupt Maurya, and Bimbsar studied in Takshashila. Her captivating photos of the Bhamala area excavation depicted the gorgeous history of the second century. Continuing her journey towards Lahore, she exhibited photos of the humongous Badshah Masjid where 50,000 Muslims perform namaz prayers. 

 

Purviben’s dialogue with some local Hindus revealed that they show themselves as Muslims outwardly but continue to engage in Hindu religious activities in their homes. Her journey in Pakistan was not always smooth as she had to escape and run away from hostile elements faced in Katashraj, Masjid area and the Wagha boarder. 

 

Viewers appreciated Purviben’s research-based in-depth description of her journey of Pakistan in 2018 aided by beautiful photos taken by her husband Mr. Dipak Malkan. Her next presentation will cover her travel from Lahore to Peshavar. Stay tuned for the date. 

 

Viewers are requested to listen to her presentation recorded in a video placed on YouTube and to view the attached photos.

 

(ii) Musical Program:

 

The singer Max Rathod from Baroda entertained viewers with Bollywood songs and Gujarati Geets. The program was arranged through our member Suhagben Mehta who has introduced several talented artists to our Center. Suhagben is a well known community member, a recipient of the Kashi award for her excellent programs in the U.K., U.S.A. and India. She is President of SAWAO and the founder and pioneer for the mega Ganesh Utsav in New York. Thanks Suhagben. 

 

Starting with Ganesh Vandana, Max sang in his melodious voice several evergreen songs including Pukarta Chala Hun Mein, O Mere Dil Ke Chain, Chhu Kar Mere Manko, Ek Din Bik Jaayega, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi, Nayan Ne Bandh Rakhi Ne, Rehene Do Choro Bhi Jane Do Yaar, Neele Neele Ambar ParChand, Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le, Aji Aisa Mauka Phir Kahan Milega, Tari Aankh No Afini, Tum Mile Dil KhileAur Jeene Ko Kya Chahiye, Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana, among others. 

 

Viewers applauded Max’s performance. 

 

(iii) New Members:

 

We welcome the following new members: 

 

Smita Girish Mody

Ketan & Divya Modi

 

(iv) Nursing Home:

 

Periodically, members inquire about the availability of nursing homes in New York area. Although we inform them of Parker Nursing Home, members who reside in far areas of Suffolk County find it inconvenient due to the distance and therefore ask for facilities near to their area. One such facility is A Holly Patterson in Uniondale, Long Island, which may be contacted at 516 566 5180. Ms. Brahashitha Gupta is a Director of Indian/Asian Division. 

 

(v) Announcements:

 

Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, updated regarding cruise requesting participants to submit requi  information by March 7, and briefed about the March 19th Holi program. 

 

Members wished a Happy Birthday to Mr. Jayendra Desai. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Bharatbhai Shah. 

 

2. The Computer Class:

 

Prof Rajasekhar Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting 3/6/2022 at 10:30 am EST

 

3. The Arts Class: